Event · Community

Mount Vernon by Candlelight

When

Fri, Nov 27 · 5:00 PMNovember 27–28, December 11–12, December 18 and December 21–22, 2026; tours start as early as 5 p.m. (times vary by day); about 2 hours.

Where

George Washington's Mount Vernon3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121Open in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Adult (ages 12+), Youth (ages 6-11), Ages 5 and under free

Cost

General public: Adult (12+) $41, Youth (6-11) $33, ages 5 and under free; members $32.80 / $26.40

Organizer

George Washington's Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon Ladies' Association)

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 27 · Sat, Nov 28 · Fri, Dec 11 · Sat, Dec 12 · Fri, Dec 18 · Mon, Dec 21 · Tue, Dec 22

Mount Vernon by Candlelight is a guided evening tour of George Washington's estate set at Christmas 1776, when the household waited for news of the Continental Army's crossing of the Delaware. Costumed interpreters playing family members, friends and enslaved or hired staff tell how the Washingtons kept the season during a hard year, as groups walk the lantern-lit historic area, the slave quarters and outbuildings, and the candlelit Mansion. Afterwards families can meet Aladdin the camel on the 12-acre field, try colonial dancing in the greenhouse, sip complimentary spiced cider with ginger cookies while carols play in the Education Center lobby, and talk with Continental soldiers in the Great Hall. Tour start times vary by night (from 5 p.m.) and are chosen when booking; plan on about two hours from entry and arrive 15 minutes before your tour time. Best for school-age children who can manage an evening walking tour.